Carmichael Gallery Presents -

Streichelzoo
Solo Exhibit by Herakut
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 12, 2008, 2008, 8 PM - Midnight
Exhibition Dates: April 12 - May 4, 2008


Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is proud to present Streichelzoo, a solo exhibition featuring the artwork of German street art duo, Herakut. The occasion will mark Herakut’s first solo show in the United States. Artwork featured will include a combination of spray paint with charcoal, watercolors, and other paints on a variety of media, including wood, canvas, and paper. The gallery will be transformed into a work of art in itself, as Hera and Akut run wild and create a large scale installation in the space. Streichelzoo will be on view April 12 through May 4, 2008, with an opening reception held on April 12, from 8 p.m. to Midnight.

Streichelzoo (‘strAIkel‚zu:) means “petting zoo” in German, an apt label for a showcase of the quirky cast of creatures about to enter Carmichael Gallery. The artwork in the show embraces a brand new phase in Herakut’s artistic evolution, as they continue to take risks and blend their signature styles into one unique, refreshing urban voice.

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Of Frankfurt and Erfurt, Germany, respectively, Hera and Akut have fast emerged as two of the strongest young voices on the contemporary street art scene. Prior to 2004, they only knew of each other’s work through graffiti magazines. This changed when both were invited to appear as featured artists at the Urban Art Festival in Sevilla. Though their techniques could hardly have been more different, they soon began to work together under the collaborative name, Herakut, a synthesis of their oddly complementary styles.

Hera and Akut come from very different artistic backgrounds. Diligent, self-taught Akut was painting on the streets by the age of fourteen with graffiti crew Maclaim. Passionate Hera, on the other hand, pursued years of structured art school education before emancipating herself from such stifling boundaries. Together, however, the pair have achieved an inimitable artistic resonance and share similar inspiration for their work, citing Vice magazine, Atmosphere albums, and the poems of Jeffrey McDaniel, all mixed up with their unique brand of humor.

Herakut recently enjoyed a successful show at the Leonard Street Gallery in London. They spent time in Osnabrueck earlier this year working on an exhibition with artists such as Os Gemeos, Vitché, Mark Jenkins, and Swoon.

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CARMICHAEL GALLERY
Carmichael Gallery is located at 1257 N. La Brea Avenue, on the SW corner of La Brea and Fountain, West Hollywood, CA 90038. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, please visit our website www.carmichaelgallery.com, email art@carmichaelgallery.com, or call 323.969.0600.